(By all means, you do not need to use every source I have listed. I have often listed multiple sources for the same topic because you might find that one is better than another or that they each have some facts that another did not, but don't overwhelm yourself trying to read everything!)

Process:

TAKE NOTES on what you learn from this research. Resist the temptation to copy anything down word for word or print anything out. When you teach this to your group-mates, you need to explain everything in your own words. Do not just read them what you found online or they might as well have just looked it up on their own!

When you are finished with your own research and notes, use the handout attached below (in .doc or .pdf format) to take notes when your group-mates present their topics.

REMEMBER: THE ODYSSEY IS SET IN A TIME PERIOD LONG BEFORE HOMER AND THE TIME WHEN THE STORIES WERE WRITTEN DOWN. In your research on ancient Greece, try to focus as much as possible on the time period that The Odyssey was set in, not confusing it with other periods. However, you may also include some information on Homer's time period. For a timeline of the different periods, see the bottom of this page.

Describe the importance of travel and trade in ancient Greece.

Explain about ancient Greek colonies.

What kind of government did Greece have in the time that The Odyssey is set in?

What was the social structure like in the time of The Odyssey?

What kind of weapons, clothing, and musical instruments did ancient Greeks use?

How did the culture of
Odysseusís time period (Bronze or Dark age) differ from the culture of Homerís time period (Archaic period) or the
Classical period?